The Fish that Seduces

Fish served, in any of its presentations and accompanied by any garnish, is a typical dish in all coastal zones. Diners who are not from these areas, usually prefer to serve the fish headless and shredded. Since it is customary in European restaurants – as well as in some North American regions – ask the client if they prefer the fish “with or without bones”; usually the option “without bones” includes the removal of the head, serving the filleted fish, but in La Guajira that option is little chosen and considered misguided by some. To those who are used to consume this food headless, they may find uncomfortable the fact the dish they are about to taste is staring at them. The lack of eyelids in fishes makes them always keeping their eyes open, even when they’re dead. If the fish that seduces, is fried or roasted, its gaze may continue.

Popular restaurants in Riohacha and other Guajiro municipalities doesn’t tend to ask their clients how they prefer their fish served, instead, they serve the whole fish — fried or boiled — with its respective garnish. Maybe if the diner asks for it, appealing to its desire to consume what’s offered and pay for it, the diner could have their fish headless and boneless. It does not matter how the fish is served, it’d be illogical to visit La Guajira and leave without having consumed its cuisine involving fish that its municipalities can offer.